Pre-Arrival

Arrival in the United States

If you are coming to the US in F or J status for the first time: 

• You may not enter the country more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on the I-20/DS-2019. 
• Academic program start dates are established by Penn and cannot be changed, you are advised to plan your travel accordingly.

If you are already in the US in F or J status:

• You are not bound to the 30-day rule. 
• However, F-1 students transferring to Penn from another school in the U.S. must report to ISSS within 15 days of the program start date listed on Penn’s I-20. 
• Individuals in all other immigration categories should contact ISSS about how early they can arrive. 
• Ideally you should plan to arrive in Philadelphia at least one week before beginning a program in order to allow enough time to get settled and secure housing.

Note:  Students should enter the US only in immigration statuses that permit full-time study, namely F-1 or J-1. For example, full-time study is not permitted for those in the B-1/B-2 and WB/WT visa categories. It is strongly advised that one not attempt to change status from visitor to student while in the US as it is both risky and time-consuming. For more information visit Change of Status.

Before boarding an international flight:

• You should be sure to hand-carry your passports, immigration documents, and other supporting documentation so that you can present them to an immigration officer upon arrival in the US.
• At the Port of Entry, the admitting officer will inspect the documents and provide a US entry/admission stamp in your passport.

Transit to Campus

From the Airport to the University of Pennsylvania Campus

The Philadelphia International Airport  is the major airport closest to campus. Airport information centers in baggage claim areas provide details on the various ground transportation options.

It is also possible to fly to New York area airports (JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, or Newark International Airport) and travel by train or bus to Philadelphia. However, travel to Philadelphia from the New York City area can be more expensive and time-consuming than direct arrival into Philadelphia, and can be very confusing to those unfamiliar with these cities. If arriving at Newark International Airport, there is an Amtrak train that can take you to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.

If you are getting to the campus area late at night and have safety concerns upon arrival, you can take advantage of the Penn Division of Public Safety’s 24/7 Walking Escort Program.

Ground transportation options from the Philadelphia International Airport

• Taxi – The easiest way to travel from the airport to Penn. Taxis are available 24 hours a day, from Zone 5 of the airport.
• Lyft, Uber – Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber are a safe and easy way to get to campus. You will need to download the apps onto your phone. In the baggage claim area of the airport, follow signs for “Rideshare”. In the app, select the nearest pick-up location and wait for your ride where other people are being picked up.
• Shuttle Services take passengers from the airport to the Penn campus or Center City (downtown Philadelphia).  Advance reservations for these shuttle services are not required. More information on shuttles can be obtained from the Centralized Ground Transportation Counters in the baggage claim areas or the Ground Transportation Hotline at Philadelphia Airport (215-937-6958). The shuttle service operator will tell passengers when and where to meet the van.
• Train – The SEPTA Airport Line regional rail service runs from the airport to University City and also to 30th Street Station. Please note that you will have to pay with cash on board the train. The fare is around $10 – $15. The closest train stations to campus are Penn Medicine Station or 30th Street Station. Walking to your final destination may be too far, so you can then take a taxi or Lyft/Uber to your final destination in Center City or University City. Taxis are plentiful at 30th Street Station.

See the Philadelphia International Airport’s website for more information about public transportation options.

Shuttles from other airports

• Like at the Philadelphia airport, there are private shuttle companies such as Super Trans that provide door-to-door van transportation from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports to Philadelphia. Be sure to check the cost, travel time, and destination before using this method of transportation. The shuttle vans may have luggage restrictions.

Note: Unlicensed individuals may offer rides to Philadelphia for a low fee. Travelers are strongly cautioned against accepting such offers. Always make sure that the transportation arrangement is with a reputable company, i.e., one accessed from the airport transportation centers.

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Registration

Some students may receive material on course registration from their admitting school or department before their departure, while others may not.

• Not receiving these materials before arrival in the US is no cause for concern as Penn’s computerized registration system, Penn InTouch, will be available to all students once they are on campus.
• In addition, registration forms will be available from the student’s school or graduate department.
• It is recommended that students consult academic advisors in their departments or schools before choosing courses for the semester.
• After registration, there is a period of a few weeks called “drop/add period” during which students can use Penn InTouch to alter their class schedules if necessary.
• Please see the University Calendar for more information.

NOTE: US immigration regulations require that F-1 and J-1 students maintain full-time status at all times. 

• This means that students must be enrolled for a minimum of 4 courses per semester at the undergraduate level.
• Full time enrollment at the graduate level is determined by the individual department or program. This usually means a minimum of 3 courses each semester; however, in some schools 4 courses or more each semester is considered to be the minimum full-time enrollment.
• Students should consult their academic departments for specific requirements.